Restraining access of minors to online porn is of paramount public importance: SC

The Supreme Court on Monday (July 13, 2026) said a plea highlighting the easy accessibility of pornographic content on the Internet, especially for minors, has raised an issue of “paramount public importance” which requires the “due consideration” of the Union government.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the government must treat the petition filed by advocate B. L. Jain, represented by advocate Varun Thakur, as a representation.

The court flagged the petitioner’s submission that the “obnoxious” material was available at the “click of a button”. Excessive access to pornography, the court said, referring to the petition, leads to addiction and psychological distress.

The court noted the petitioners’ argument that the Information Technology Act 2000 did not penalise watching porn while punishing its production, distribution, etc. This petition said the loophole has curbed the authorities’ ability to control the menace online.

The petition had sought the Union government to formulate a national policy and a draft action plan to restrain access to pornography, which it said was not only a danger to children but also was a reason behind the rising instances of sexual crimes against women.

The court, without going into the merits of the case, said the plea dealt with an issue which was more at home in the policy domain and required the guidance of experts in the field of technology.